At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational execution and drive profitable growth in the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Dynamic insurance and claims company focused on innovation and client satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a people-centred culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and market-leading capabilities.
- Why this job: Transform strategic objectives into impactful operational outcomes and drive commercial growth.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in insurance and claims sectors.
The predicted salary is between 168750 - 206250 £ per year.
Description
The Chief Operating Officer (COO), UK & Ireland, is responsible for leading the operational execution of the UK & Ireland business operations to deliver profitable growth by expanding our market position, strengthening our specialist expertise, and simplifying how we operate to improve client and customer outcomes, people engagement and financial performance.
Reporting directly to the Country President, UK & Ireland, the COO serves as the senior executive responsible for transforming strategic objectives into operational outcomes, commercial growth and financial targets.
Working in close partnership with the Country President, Executive Leadership Team and operational direct reports, the COO drives operational excellence, workforce effectiveness, service and client delivery performance, commercial growth, digital innovation (inclusive of AI efficiencies), risk management and governance across the business.
The COO will lead the day-to-day management of the operational business, ensuring operational activities, resources, people, processes, and technology are aligned to support growth, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, compliance, and financial performance.
The role acts as the primary operational leader for the UK & Ireland business and serves as deputy to the Country President when required.
The position complements and supports the Country President role by providing leadership and accountability for execution, operational and financial performance and growth, and organisational effectiveness, enabling the Country President to focus on strategic growth, market positioning, client relationships, and external stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Country President to deliver the UK & Ireland business strategy, financial, quality, client and customer delivery, and growth objectives.
- Drive profitable growth through improved client retention/acquisition, share of wallet, and service expansion in priority markets, including but not limited to Specialty, Major Loss, TPA, Lloyd’s and the London Market
- Translate strategic priorities into executable operational plans and measurable outcomes, leading operational activities across the UK & Ireland business and with effective execution, communication and pace.
- Create an environment that promotes accountability, engagement, collaboration and inclusion, aligned to our people-centred culture build on Crawford’s RESTORE values and principles.
- Build market-leading capabilities through workforce planning, talent development, Crawford Academy, and specialist expertise, fostering a culture of client obsession, service excellence, and accountability for outcomes.
- Ensure operational capability, rationalisation, consistency, capacity and service performance to support the UK&I growth ambitions and deliver a One Crawford client experience
- Lead operational planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities, ensuring delivery of growth, margin and productivity improvement and targets
- Identify risks and opportunities that impact commercial performance and manage appropriately.
- Lead operational consolidation and simplification through technology, automation, process standardisation, shared service optimisation, and the effective use of data analysis to improve scalability, productivity and profitability
- Contribute to international strategic initiatives, sharing UK&I best practice, and assisting with selected transformation, technology or operational improvement projects.
Qualifications
- Significant senior executive leadership experience across insurance, claims, professional services, consulting, TPA, loss adjusting, and related sectors.
- Experience of working directly with strategic clients, brokers, and executive stakeholders to support client retention, growth and market positioning.
- Demonstrable track record leading large-scale and complex service operations, delivering profitable growth, operational transformation, margin improvement and positive performance outcomes
- Track record of building high-performing teams, developing leadership capabilities, and specialist talent pipelines within a professional service or claims environment.
- Extensive knowledge of UK Claims, Insurance, Loss Adjusting and TPA markets with experience of converting market opportunities into profitable growth through client retention, strategic account management, operational scaling and business transformation.
- Proven track-record of leading technology, automation, operational simplification, and shared service initiatives to improve productivity, scalability and profitability, preferably across both frequency and expert-led claims services.
- Strong understanding of insurance regulation, governance, risk, compliance, and operational controls.
- CILA Chartered Loss Adjuster and/or CII Chartered Insurer preferred, other executive level qualifications also welcomed.
- Experience within a multi-site or matrix-managed international organisation is preferred.
Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland employer: Crawford
Crawford in Glasgow is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises customer satisfaction and employee development. With a strong focus on teamwork and communication, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while making a meaningful impact in the insurance industry. The supportive environment and commitment to professional growth make Crawford a rewarding place to work for those passionate about delivering exceptional service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland at Crawford!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Crawford or be willing to refer you for that Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Crawford who’s on the lookout for their next Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland role at Crawford!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer, UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Crawford. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crawford
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Crawford. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
